I think i have Acid Reflex....what can i do to stop it?

[Boston Kiddo]

I have a very busy daily life....always on the go, and that means i cant stop to worry about what i eat, drink...ect. i smoke cigarettes, and i have a very stressful job...could that be causing this? Do i need to see a doctor or a specialist, and if so is acid reflex covered by insurance? Bottom line...i need to get this problem fixed, can you help...chris

[ponk]

Is the medicine Prevacid and Aciphex about the same.

[John W.]

Hi:

I would actually suggest a slower route before you consider prescription medications. First off, try to change your lifestyle habits: elevate your bed like 30 to 45 degrees and avoid any food at least 1-2 hours before bed if nightime symptoms bother you. Additionally, try to avoid foods which cause or exacerbate existing GERD. These include dairy products, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, and a host of other products. If these lifestyle modifications dont' work...you should try over-the-counter H2 blockers (Tagamet-cimetidine, Zantac-ranitidine, Pepcid-famotidine, or Axid-nixatidine). Begin by taking 1 pill, if this doesn't work after 1/2-1 hour, go ahead and take another pill...if both of these don't work, then see your MD, who can prescribe stronger medications called 'proton pump inhibitors.' these include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, and Nexium.

Hope this helps,
JOHN W. (R.Ph)

[AndyC]

Hi

I have found that getting medication supplied by family doctor (GP in UK not sure of term in US) can help. There are various drugs available. Omeprazole (Losec) works for me. Not sure about insurance situation as we have NHS in UK. As I understand it stress may not necessarily help with acid reflux but the causes are usually physical in nature (I'm a Registered Mental health nurse and Counsellor and have never been able to cure or relieve stomach problems through stress reduction or psychotherapeutic techniques). However, this is not to say that some stress management and / or counselling may not help with regards other life issues.

Hope this is useful - good luck

Andy C (Exeter, UK)